…As SACOED holds 25th convocation Mass, lecture
Graduating students of St. Augustine College of Education (SACOED), Akoka, Lagos have been urged to keep their dreams of a successful future alive, as they are asked to put in good effort and hard work to achieve their aspirations. The charge was given by Very Rev. Fr. Julius Olaitan, Episcopal Vicar, Lagos Region, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos while delivering the homily during the 25th convocation Mass and lecture of St. Augustine College of Education held recently at the school. Fr. Olaitan said the convocation is not the end of their education but all they have gathered in the college is a launching platform for the graduands to prepare themselves for the future.
He asked the graduands to develop their talents and skills, adding that the labour market is very tough, and those who get the available jobs must be extraordinarily outstanding, humble, upright and associate with good people to achieve success. According to him, “There are too many graduates out there looking for jobs. Bring something different. Let them see why they must employ you not just that you are one of the people who are looking for jobs. Those who are looking for jobs are very plenty. Let them see your difference from the thousands parading their certificates.”
The Episcopal Vicar expressed joy for the Church and college for the success and victory of the students after their years of study in the school, commending the parents for giving their children good education, the best gift ever. The Guest Lecturer, Prof. Adebayo Oladipo, Dean Faculty of Education, University of Lagos, speaking on the topic, “Facing a new decade: Embracing change and uncertainty”, decried the high rate of unemployment, poverty, insecurity, anxiety and increasing rate of depression, among other challenges in the country. Oladipo urged Nigerians, especially the graduands to prepare for the future, urging them to navigate the challenges by setting priorities right and make good use of the opportunities that present themselves.
He asked the graduands to view difficulties as opportunities for growth and development, urging them to utilise their skills, and pray to God for support. For his part, Very Rev. Fr. Vincent Olofinkua, the College Provost, commended the graduating students for the hard work they have put in their studies, and taking a step further into a new level of life and responsibility, owing to the knowledge they have acquired.
On the topic for the convocation lecture, he said: “Facing a new decade, embracing change and uncertainty, the reality of our life today makes that even much more important for the graduands and all to have someone to guide us through, because the present situation in our country and the world in general calls for quick and fast action on our part to be able to face the challenges that are very obvious among us”.
